In most parts of the world, the dance industry is unregulated. In this episode, I dive into what that actually means, the difference between regulation and certification/qualification, and why I think regulation is the next necessary step to protect dancers.

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

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Patellar (kneecap) dislocations and subluxations are a common knee injury in dancers. In this episode, I discuss how and why these injuries happen, as well as some prevention strategies. You'll also learn what treatment and management of these injuries looks like for a dancer.

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
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Adolescent dancers are not just small adults, and there are certain injuries that need to be taken into consideration for this specific population. Growth plate injuries are common in athletic adolescent populations, and dancers are no different. In this episode I explain the anatomy of what a growth plate actually is, and discuss some of the common growth plate injuries that we see in dancers.

Episode 15: Adolescent Growth Spurt in Dancers
Episode 25: Stress Fractures in Dancers

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
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Ankle weights have become popular in the dance world as a potential way of strengthening dancer's legs. In this episode I discuss the use of ankle weights in dance. You'll learn the pros and cons of adding ankle weights to your dance training, when they are NOT advised to be used and when they potentially might be a helpful addition to training.

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
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"No other sport runs the marathon before running the marathon" - Catherine Vargo. Tapering is the idea that you decrease your training load prior to participating in the 'main event'. In the case of dance, this is often a performance or a competition. In the dance world, the norm is often the opposite - we pile on extra rehearsals and practices in the name of 'perfecting' the dance. In this episode I dive into the specifics around tapering, and what the dance world can gain by following this basic sport science principle.

Additional Resources:
Periodization and Programming for Peak Performance webinar recording.
Episode 6: Periodization in Dance

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
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In this episode I discuss stress fractures in dancers. You'll learn what a stress fracture actually is, and why dancers are so susceptible to stress fractures. I'll discuss some of the risk factors for stress fractures, as well as the diagnosis, treatment and management of them.

Episode 10: Training Load Management for Dancers

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
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In this episode I discuss posterior ankle impingement (PAI). While a common injury in dancers, it's not as common in the general population and is often misdiagnosed by practitioners not familiar with dance. In this episode you'll learn why this injury is common in dancers, how it commonly presents, and treatment options for posterior ankle impingment.

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
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In this episode I discuss 5 common cues that are used in dance and need to be ditched immediately. From "lift your leg from underneath" to "shoulder blades down and back", you'll learn why these cues are problematic and need to be replaced.

Episode 8: The Truth About Turnout

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
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Sitting out and observing dance class is the norm when a dancer is sick or injured. In this episode, I discuss why this might not always be the best approach, and ways we can support injured dancers that keeps them meaningfully attached to their studio and peers to help enhance their recovery.

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
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~ Flexibility Foundations open for registration until March 15th. Check out all the details and register here

In this episode, I'll discuss things to consider when making the decision about whether to participate in a summer intensive training opportunity, or trying to decide between multiple options. Through the lens of a physiotherapist, I'll cover things like timing and duration of the program, incorporation of cross-training or conditioning programs, qualifications of the faculty and access to healthcare services.

Episode 6: Periodization in Dance
Episode 10: Training Load Management for Dancers

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: [email protected]

Support the show